North Star Bavaran May 2012 May 2012 The BMW M Coupe shown was modified and built exclusively at BMW of Minnetonka. PRESIDENT Eric Christenson [email protected] What’s Insde VICE PRESIDENT Rob Snyder President’s Report .................................................................2 [email protected] Carmudgeon Chronicles .......................................................4 TREASURER Larry Atneosen [email protected] The Turbo Project ..................................................................6 SECRETARY & PHOTOGRAPHER Meanwhile, Back At The Wrench ........................................11 Tracy Rolf [email protected] Club News ...........................................................................13 ADVERTISING Gary Ganser [email protected] Dave Nielsen 651.644.6739 [email protected] On The Cover NEWSLETTER EDITOR Craig Lovold built a crazy Jonathan Bush [email protected] turbocharged E36 out of a used Chump Car and a bunch MEMBERSHIP of parts he found in his rather Dale Olson large basement. Yes, really. 715.425.8555 [email protected] SOCIAL EVENTS John Ford [email protected] SPONSORSHIP & PHILANTHROPY Dave Nielsen 651.644.6739 [email protected] TECH EVENTS COORDINATOR Dick Nyberg Here at BMW of Minnetonka, we only say “working on BMWs” [email protected] WEBMASTER because “loving on BMWs” sounds a little creepy. Brian Thull [email protected] TECHNICAL ADVISOR Paul Dzimian At BMW of Minnetonka, wrenching on Bimmers is our passion – on the clock, off the clock. That’s why we Motorwerks BMW “North Star Bavarian” is published by the North Star Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America, [email protected] Inc. Please address correspondence to P.O. Box 2774, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2774. All information have the expertise to handle everything from the standard BMW lineup to the mod-stuffed racer you see furnished herein is provided by membership for members only. Ideas, suggestions and opinions, tech- here. Thinking about what we can do for your BMW? So are we. DRIVING SCHOOLS nical or otherwise, are those of the authors, without authentication by or liability to the officers of the Club. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the Club endorses no person, product, service or business. DRIVING EVENTS CHAIR North Star Chapter, Inc. is a non-profit Minnesota corporation. For a limited time, BMW Club members receive 10% off parts and service. & CHIEF INSTRUCTOR Dave Miller This newsletter and other information about the chapter may be found on the internet at: 612.518.4971 www.northstarbmw.org [email protected] Contact for Ad rates: Dave Nielsen DRIVING EVENTS COORDINATOR [email protected] The only locally owned BMW dealership. Eric Christenson [email protected] Artwork - TIFF or PDF preferable, Macintosh or IBM compatible to: [email protected] WINTER & CAR CONTROL Sheldon Nelson Deadlines for next full newsletter: 763.542.1485 Copy and advertising to editor no later than the 10th of the month preceding publication date, [email protected] or contact [email protected] [email protected] Publication Dates: 394 West of 494 3/1, 6/1, 9/1, 12/1 A Proud North Member Star ofBavar Twinan Cities Automotive 15802 Wayzata Boulevard Minnetonka phone: 952-303-7500 bmwofminnetonka.com May 2012 1 %0:B0:B&KDSWHUBDGBIQOLQGG 30 Presdent’s Report Eric Christenson In my final article as President of the the Twin Cities premiere of the docu- Senna add illuminating commentary, ties does explain why it was inevitable a sports figure to worship; he was also Senna grew older and more successful, North Star Chapter of the BMW CCA, mentary, Senna. The film covered the adding context to his life and the key they would become rivals. Prost thought a philanthropist for the less fortunate you could see that helping the people of I would like to thank all of you for your life and times of Brazilian Formula 1 rac- events that took place. methodically, kept those thoughts and and a spokesperson for Brazil. Senna Brazil became increasingly important to support of the club and your friend- ing legend Ayrton Senna. Senna died in strategies to himself, and drove his car donated large portions of his fortune to him. Although he only lived to 34, Sen- ship. My two years as President went by 1994 in a crash during the Imola Grand For the hardcore racing enthusiasts the precisely by taking calculated risks. Sen- poor children, and near the end of his na lived a more vibrant life than most quickly and I have many good memo- Prix. The movie Senna is now available film is, as expected, spectacular. It is a na was emotional almost to a fault, read- life created the Instituto Ayrton Senna, people are fortunate enough to do. ries from this time. I am stepping down on DVD as well as Netflix. thrill to watch the in-car video of Senna ily shared his feelings with the press, and an organization dedicated to helping as President to pursue other goals and zipping through the narrow streets of drove his car on the edge, taking risks Brazilian children. A final piece to note: I encourage racing to experience new things. I will still be The film is composed of a collection of Monaco, passing other competitors as other drivers would not. The common enthusiasts to share this film with non- around to support the club and help in videos from Formula 1’s archive, news if they were on a parade lap. There are link between the two drivers, and major I came to appreciate and admire Senna racing enthusiasts. It is a very well made various areas. interviews, home videos from the Sen- several key moments in Senna’s racing contributing factor to their rivalry, was more and more throughout and after the documentary I feel most persons will na family, and other behind-the-scenes career, and we get to see those from mul- of course their intense desire to not only film. Sporting stars these days give by- enjoy because it tells a story of triumph As I step aside allowing others to lead material. The clips are, for the most part, tiple angles with commentary explaining win, but to be a world champion. the-book answers to media questions, and tragedy. There are poignant life les- and shape the club, I urge those read- assembled chronologically, and tell the the significance of each in F1 history. donate minimal resources to charities, sons to be learned here. ing this article to consider how they story of Senna’s rise from a karting One of the special parts of the film not and even “play” only when they want can help. This club is entirely volun- champion in Brazil to a 3-time Formula When the action is not on the tracks, we to be overlooked is Senna’s achieve- (Randy Moss, anyone?). Senna was teer-based. Our valued board members 1 World Champion. Some of the media are treated to a behind-the-scenes view ments away from the race circuits. The nothing like this. The only things in life contribute their time and serve the club personalities and persons who knew of the elements of the world of Formula film does a wonderful job letting the he valued more than racing was God, his with passion, a sense of re- 1. There are insightful inter- audience know the man behind the family and his home country of Brazil. sponsibility, and dedication. actions between drivers and driver. We come away seeing Senna was Senna took pride in his racing, and was It is very important to the their engineering teams, a sensitive person, devoted to his family never entirely satisfied with his driving. longevity of the club, as well the media, and Formula 1 even though he had not started his own. He gave thoughtful, insightful and hon- as the quality of our events, management. I especially We also see Senna was more than just est answers to the media’s questions. As that our members contribute enjoyed the banter between some of their time to help, up the drivers and then-For- to and including filling open mula 1 boss Jean-Marie board positions. New people Balestre, as well as peeking with their own set of skills in on the drivers’ pre-race Auto Edge and experiences enrich our meetings. You come away club, and without the infu- with a feeling of their high- sion of new talents and en- stakes, high-reward world. 651-777-6924 ergies we risk having board The director definitely Maintenance, Performance, and Track Prep member burnout and stale wanted the audience to see events. that behind all the on-track drama, there was also plenty If you have found value in of off-track drama with the In-house dyno our club’s events, met new numerous political webs in friends, and/or have an area Formula 1. We are your local source for Active Autowerke, of passion or talent you can Fabspeed, Moton, Forgeline, HRE and more! share with us, please consider The key dramatic matchup giving back and volunteering. in the film is the rivalry be- Worried about lack of experi- tween ex-teammates Senna Check out our project cars on ence? We would happily show and French F1 champion AutoEdgeRacing.com you the ropes. Please contact Alain Prost. Their relation- me or other board members ship changes through the with your ideas! film: From being team- We service most vehicle makes and models mates, then to bitter rivals, Rental cars available at our location Professional Alignments to suit your driving needs Last August, car enthusiasts and eventually ending with Pick Up and Delivery options available from the North Star Chapter respect. The contrasting of and other car clubs viewed the two drivers’ personali- Custom Roll Cage Design and Installation 2 North Star Bavaran May 2012 Carmudgeon Chroncles Ken Kamstra Fnally, Some Swag To Call Our Own! Wnter Is A Tme For Reflecton North Star BMW CCA is proud to announce That’s the word among us car-crazed But I was now a real Porsche guy and It was a car show that brought my our new line of high quality merchandise.